Words From Fr. Stepanos

O Come all ye Faithful — SPIRITUAL MESSAGE from Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian
11/15/11

I love to hear Christmas Carols. There are times, even in the middle of summer, that I will break out in song, singing my favorite carols. However to hear them continuously on the radio since November 5th is a bit extreme, unless I hear a few of the spiritual Christmas carols. My favorite is “O Come all ye Faithful.” This is not only a Christmas carol, but also a statement of faith. It is a prayer. It is worship. It is giving God glory!

As we approach the beginning of Advent — the season to prepare for the coming of the Lord — let us be joyful and triumphant. Let us open our hearts to make room for Jesus Christ and His love and mercy. On Sunday, November 27th, the Armenian Church begins the 50-day preparatory period (called hisnag in Armenian) until the birth of Christ.

How will you “Come to Bethlehem” this year? In our very secular and face-paced commercial world we live in, try coming to St. Peter Armenian Church, slow down and pray. And let the Holy Church help you find a new Bethlehem in your heart.

As a church family, we cannot wait for our annual Christmas Eve services on December 24th and then our Armenian Christmas Services on January 5 & 6. However, it is not enough to simply come on those days alone. To “Behold Him, the King of Angels,” it will take more than the warm and fuzzy feelings of the Christmas season, drinking hot chocolate and singing carols. It will take some effort on your part. Carve out time to worship with us on Sundays and hear the Word of God, sung and preached. Open your Bible and read it, even if it is one verse or one passage or one chapter a day. Come and be a part of the faithful at St. Peter Church and together we will “behold and adore Him,” this year and always.

Please note that this Saturday, November 19th, a special Advent retreat will take place at church. It will begin at 9:30am and end at 2:30pm, with a delicious Armenian lunch provided. The theme is “Prepare the way of the Lord.” The Advent retreat will integrate the Bible, liturgy and prayer to create an environment to spiritually prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ. Please call the church or e-mail to RSVP and join us. You will leave the retreat uplifted!

O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God’s holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! For evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

I feel alone
Jesus was deserted

I feel hurt
Jesus was pained

I feel tired
Jesus was exhausted

I feel abandoned
Jesus was betrayed

I feel cheated
Jesus was deceived

I feel angry
Jesus was disturbed

I feel overwhelmed
Jesus was stressed

I feel challenged
Jesus struggled

I feel stranded
Jesus was denied

I feel sad
Jesus wept

I feel empty
Jesus was emptied

I feel bullied
Jesus was mocked

I feel vulnerable
Jesus was exposed

I feel scared
Jesus was frightened

I feel threatened
Jesus was tortured

I feel hunger
Jesus was thirsty

I feel wounded
Jesus shed blood

I feel diseased
Jesus was crucified

I feel hopeless
Jesus was resurrected

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

God’s abundant blessings to you,
Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian

Christ is Risen from the Dead
Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ

Krisdos Haryav ee Merelots
Orhnayl he Haydnootuinn Krisdosee